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Articles in: Ask Amy

We just arrived in Austin, Texas in time for our signing at Williams-Sonoma at The Arboretum Market. We are in love with the capital of live music! If you’re in town, please come by at 5pm to our event for my sweet styling tricks and yummy dessert!
On another note, we’re excited to partner with Williams-Sonoma for a sweet giveaway. Come to one of my signings and you can enter to win a 30 minute…

I can finally say that the book will be released NEXT MONTH! Last month, I shared my Oscar ready “Walk of Fame” brownie recipe {from the Bake It section} and today I’m sharing a craft recipe from the Craft It section. This “Craft It” is the Cheery Checkerboard recipe from our Game Night chapter. Friday nights after dinner are Game Night in the Atlas household. We love to play Monopoly, checkers, dominoes, and basically anything…

Raychel:
Amy, HELP! How do you stay organized with multiple projects going on at the same time? Do you have a certain tool you use to keep it together? I have tried so many different things: calendars, daily/weekly/monthly planners, lists, etc. I can’t find the one thing that keeps things organized and easily accessible/visible that works for me. I’m starting to go a little batty! ANY help would be greatly appreciated!!
Amy:
Raychel – I…

My friend Jessie of Rountree sent me these gorgeous flowers the other day and now I’m sending them virtually to you to thank you all. I’m currently sitting in my bed, finally reflecting over the excitement over the last few days. Between the book announcement and a video trailer for the book yesterday, I feel like jelly sitting here. I can barely move any part of my body, but I have to move these…

Marta:
I would like to ask how do you deal with criticism ( if you have any) from clients or competitors?
I know you say competition is good and that constructive opinions are ok but sometimes I struggle with
what people say about my work or baked goods.
Amy:
Marta, I think everyone struggles somewhat with hearing criticism. It is hard to not take criticism personally. We all like to hear good things about ourselves. …

Raychel:
I am just starting out trying to start an event planning business. I obviously love to plan and design parties and events, but also am doing this to make money and hopefully one day be able to support my family. With that said I do not have funds to create lavish or perfect outcomes when I do a party for myself or a family member and that means that photos I take (especially since…

Chyna:
When you style a dessert table, do you stay there for the whole duration of the event, no matter how long it is?
Amy:
I’m always there for the set up, and for some reason clients are still surprised by this. Often because of the installation requirements, we’ll have to start the initial set up like the backdrop, florals, and vessels well before the event starts so that we don’t interfere with guests. …

Sarah:
How do you stay on top of the next trend in parties while focusing on the current trend?
Amy:
When it comes to design and colors, I don’t usually look at trends unless a client really wants a particular design that is trendy. Most clients will come to me because they want something innovative and it’s up to me and my team to come up with a color palette or design that will be…

Salin:
Hey Amy! I have my own candy and dessert buffet company and would like to know how you get such gorgeous backdrops? I have read one of your blogs about using a foam board; however, can you give us all some tips on how to create more professional looking backdrops?
Amy:
Hi Salin. I’ll get a diy post on this one day in the future, and it will definitely be in my book. In…

Ashley:
Hi Amy,?? I am a law student in New York City but have a love for event planning. Do you feel that your law background has helped your business grow? If so, in what ways??? Thank you.
Amy:
Ashley, This is a question I often get. You wouldn’t believe how many emails I get from women {and some men} who are looking to change directions in their careers. Many of these people are looking…

It’s been a long time since we posted an Ask Amy post, but starting today you’ll see Ask Amy as a regular column on the site. I’ll be here to share my design, dessert and business tips with you all. First up is Susana of Citrus and Orange in Portugal.
Susana:
Amy, I love all your tips. When you are asked to do something that is clearly not your sensibility, do you do it and…

A few months ago, I shared some business tips with you when I was at the Dreamers into Doers event. There was a q & a at the event and I have been remiss in getting those up to you. I’m finally here with the q&a. Scroll down to check the tips out and feel free to ask your own questions in the comment area below.
(1) How do you deal when clients ask you …

Lisa and I at the Guthrie in Minneapolis with the Mississippi River in the background….
We were in Minnesota this past week for some meetings. It was nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of New York City, even if it was just for two days. Seeing lush greenery and smelling crisp clean air definitely helps me clear my mind. When Lisa and I weren’t in meetings, we jam packed some activities to…

Scroll Down For My Mentoring Advice for Small Businesses…
Several months ago, we received the most lovely and thoughtful letter from Dawn Menon of Bees Knee*s Parties. Dawn is a member of the Dreamers into Doers Community and she was planning the Community’s Tri-State division’s monthly meeting. For some reason, when I saw this email, this request just spoke to me and I knew I wanted to do it. My business manager Lisa {aka Commander…

I’ve had some time off with the Jewish holidays and it has given me an opportunity to reflect (no, I was not on the beach in the above picture, although it does look pretty dreamy). I was away from the computer, blackberry, iphone, texting, etc. for a few days and it allowed me to actually enjoy my time off from work. This is not so easy for me. I’ve always had enormous drive. Actually, my…

I’m just back from an amazing weekend with my family in the country. It was a weekend filled with laughter, relaxation, and love. Our boys had non-stop fun with their cousins. I had quality time with my big brother and mom {so needed!} We swam and grilled pretty much the whole weekend. My husband and I never went near the computer. It was pure bliss. This was a big dichotomy to last week. Last week…

How cute is this pea-in-the-pod guest dessert table feature from Whitney of Sweet Celebrations by Whitney? Whitney is a baker based in Las Vegas and was inspired to do a dessert table after seeing our work. This table is perfect for a kid-themed event (showers, birthday parties, brises/christenings). All of the sweet pea details on the table are adorable and I love the fresh green color palette. I also love how Whitney used the paper…

I’m loving today’s guest dessert table feature from Glory of Glorious Treats. Glory sent me these pictures early this week and I’ve been dying to share them with you. Glory created a strawberry theme party for her niece’s 9th birthday party. I love the fondant strawberries, the custom cups, and the fresh strawberry favors with strawberry ribbon. Wonderful execution, Glory! Glory was also kind to share her strawberry cream cheese frosting recipe here.
Speaking of…

It has been a mere four days since we celebrated Thanksgiving and already I see Christmas and Chanukah decorations all over New York City. Yes, it is that time of the year and it is time to start thinking about how we will be decorating for the holidays! Melangerie NYC sent me this awesome (and very affordable) do-it-yourself holiday sweater-inspired party decoration kit that is perfect for an intimate holiday party. { Read More }